There’s nothing quite like a classic pepperoni pizza! With a crispy crust topped with rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and spicy pepperoni, it’s a winner every time.
Honestly, I think this pizza could fix any bad day. Plus, it’s super fun to share with friends—who doesn’t love a good pizza party? 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This ingredient is essential for making the dough rise. If you’re out, you can use instant yeast, the measure stays the same. However, there’s no need to activate instant yeast, just mix it with the dry ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour: A staple for the pizza dough, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, try whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. The texture may change slightly, but it’ll still be tasty.
Pepperoni: You can swap pepperoni for turkey pepperoni for a lighter version, or even use different toppings like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives if you want to mix it up.
Mozzarella Cheese: While shredded mozzarella is standard, feel free to substitute with provolone or a dairy-free cheese if you’re lactose intolerant. I love using a mix of cheeses for added flavor!
How Do I Get the Dough Just Right?
Making pizza dough can seem tricky, but with some patience, you’ll nail it! Here’s how to get that perfect texture:
- When dissolving the yeast, make sure the water isn’t too hot or too cold—around 110°F is just right.
- Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place, covered, until it doubles in size. If your kitchen is cool, try placing it in an oven (turned off) with the light on. It works like a charm!
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For The Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni
- Optional: sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pepperoni pizza recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 1 to 1.5 hours for the dough to rise. Once you start baking, it will take about 12-15 minutes in the oven. So, all in all, you’ll need around 1.5 to 2 hours to whip up this pizza from scratch. Totally worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast and sugar into the warm water. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets all frothy. That’s how you know your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Then, add in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir everything together until you form a shaggy dough.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic—this is key for a great crust!
4. Let It Rise:
Place your kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours until it’s doubled in size. Patience is a virtue here!
5. Prepare the Sauce:
While the dough is rising, let’s make the sauce! In a saucepan, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it smells amazing.
6. Simmer the Sauce:
Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and a dash of salt and pepper to the saucepan. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens a bit. Then, remove it from the heat.
7. Preheat Your Oven:
Now, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, pop it in the oven to heat up—this helps to get that nice, crispy crust!
8. Shape the Dough:
Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. If you’re making two smaller pizzas, divide the dough in half. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, whether that’s thin and crispy or thick and chewy!
9. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer your rolled dough onto a pizza peel or an upside-down baking sheet dusted with flour or cornmeal. This will help you slide the pizza right into the oven without sticking!
10. Assemble the Pizza:
Spread a thin layer of your homemade tomato sauce over the dough, leaving just a little border for the crust. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, followed by the pepperoni slices.
11. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide your pizza onto the preheated pizza stone, or place your baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, until the crust is nice and golden, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned!
12. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take your pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. If you like, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes on top before slicing.
13. Slice and Enjoy:
Cut your pizza into 8 delicious slices and savor every bite of your homemade pepperoni pizza! Perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using store-bought pizza dough is a great shortcut. Just follow the package instructions for rolling out and baking, and you can still enjoy delicious homemade pizza!
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore the crust’s crispiness.
Can I Freeze the Dough?
Yes, you can freeze the pizza dough! After kneading, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
What Can I Use Instead of Pepperoni?
If you’re looking for alternatives, feel free to use cooked sausage, vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms, or even different meats like ham or turkey. The options are endless—get creative with your favorite toppings!